Slot doubles down on selection policy ahead of Champions League opener

Arne Slot hit back at critics following his first defeat as Liverpool head coach but is relishing his first Champions League game in charge of the Reds against Milan.

After starting his Liverpool tenure with three wins from three, Slot’s side were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest last weekend upon their return from the international break.

It marked the Dutchman’s first loss since replacing Jurgen Klopp, with Forest securing their first triumph at Anfield since 1969.

Slot named an unchanged team for the fourth consecutive game since taking over at Liverpool against Forest, with many questioning his decision to do so.

But speaking ahead of their encounter at the San Siro on Tuesday, Slot doubled down on his selection policy during his early tenure on Merseyside.

“If rotation would be the reason why you didn’t win a game, then last Saturday probably wouldn’t be the first game I lost in 2024,” Slot said.

“It’s too simple to put this loss on rotation, I think it was because too many players didn’t reach their normal level. The playing style of the opponent made it really difficult.

“When you don’t win, you try and look at as many possible reasons why, but I preferred to look back at what we did well and what we didn’t do well.

“We could have done a lot better in things that were not related to rotation, but again it’s not possible to say what would have happened if I did rotate.

“Now I can do something about rotation in the upcoming games but before the weekend they were with the national team.

“For me this loss didn’t have anything to do with rotation, it was the opponent and too many players not bringing what they can bring.”

Setting up for the San Siro pic.twitter.com/lDGtcl6ElY

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 16, 2024

Slot takes charge of his first game in the Champions League as Liverpool boss, but has struggled in the competition away from home.

The Dutchman has lost all three of his away games in the tournament, with each of those coming in the group stage with Feyenoord last season.

However, Slot’s former side did have the second-best shot differential away from home in last season’s group stage (+19 – 48 for and 29 against), while only Man City (24) faced fewer shots on the road.

The fixture will also come on Slot’s 46th birthday, with the Liverpool head coach hopeful of getting the perfect present from his players.

“I think it is the first time that my birthday is not so important tomorrow!’, Slot said.

“It’s a big game also for me, but it’s a big game for us too because it’s the first game [of the Champions League] and it’s the next game and the next game is always the most important one, as you know.

“But because of the history that these two teams have and the venue where it’s played in – it’s one to look forward to.”

Slot was also able to provide an update on Federico Chiesa, who is yet to feature since his switch from Juventus in the transfer window.

Chiesa offers Slot an experienced option against the Serie A side, having notched seven goal involvements (three goals and four assists) in the 13 games he has played against Milan.

But the Dutchman confirmed that any involvement for the Italy international will likely be from the bench.

“He is, for the first time, in our team selection,” Slot said.

“And since I said it’s the first time he’s in our team selection it would be a big surprise for him and for everyone if he would start tomorrow.

“I don’t think you should expect that he starts but he can make a few minutes for the first time tomorrow if we need him. That is something we will see tomorrow.

“For the first time with us and don’t expect him to be there in the starting line-up because he has been with Juve training on his own for a long time.

“It is too early for him to play 90, but hopefully he can make his first minutes in the upcoming fixtures.”

On board with the Reds pic.twitter.com/6tynVj80Ly

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 16, 2024